Sports

How Europe helped Patterson find his way

Published

4 years ago

May 19, 2020

Jonathan Grilli

Photo curtesy - Julia Summers

Marcus Patterson needed to take a year off following an injury, but he came back stronger than ever.

Marcus Patterson had wrapped up his one and only season in England where he would find some success post-college. The 6-foot-4 guard would spend time with the University of East London. He would also suit up for the East London All-Star of the England National Basketball League following his stint with the University of East London.

Following his successes with the University of East London, Patterson got a cup of coffee with the London Lions of the BBL. It was the first professional team that the Bronx guard was able to be a part of and he learned a lot about the game during his time with them.

Patterson also would suffer an injury that would prevent him from progressing and receiving a professional contract following the year in England. Instead, he would return back to the states and continue to improve.

“I came back from England and started to train, workout, and perfect my craft. It was hard being away from the game, but I needed to get better to receive another opportunity.”

Patterson would continue to improve and relentlessly tried to find a home to continue his journey. He admitted it was tough at first.

“Seeing everyone go back and play was kind of tough,” Patterson said. “But I knew that I could get to where I wanted to be if I kept putting the work in.”

In addition to continuing his craft on the basketball court, the 6-foot-4 guard was hard at work getting himself out there.

“I had gone on the EuroBasket’s database. I emailed hundreds of coaches and reached out on LinkedIn and Facebook, and nothing. It would not stop me, though.”

The Sage graduate had received a tip of advice to enroll in the EuroBasket Portugal Tour 2019 where players compete against Portugal’s top teams. This was Patterson’s chance to impress and he did just that.

Patterson showed good ability to finish and also lock down the opposing team which led to him receiving his first professional contract from Portimonense SC, a first-tier team in Portugal. He did not disappoint, finishing on the All Portuguese First Division All-Import Team and All Portuguese First Division Second Team. He would also finish seventh in the league’s most valuable player voting.

Patterson is not under contract for this year coming up but is open to the option of returning to Portimonense.

Sports

Prep Soccer Names Saint Louis University Men’s Soccer Player Jackson Delkus as the 2024 Nationwide #1 Soccer Player for Fall 2024

Published

2 weeks ago

October 9, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo courtesy of Jackson Delkus

By: Georgette Virgo

“Prep Soccer” crowned Jackson Delkus, a 6’0″ forward from St. Louis, Missouri, the top high school boys soccer player in the nation for 2024. The former Laurel Springs student and St. Louis City SC Academy standout earned this prestigious ranking through his skills, versatility, and dedication to the sport.

Delkus’ rise to the top spot is no surprise to those who have followed his journey on the soccer field. Last July 2024, Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer team proudly announced Jackson Delkus as part of their 2024 recruiting class. “Top Drawer Soccer” recognized him as the #1 player for the Class of 2024 in Heartland.

A Versatile Powerhouse on the Field

His versatility and record-breaking speed characterize Delkus’ playing style. Primarily positioned as a forward, Jackson Delkus excels in multiple positions across the front line, including left-wing, right-wing, and striker. His seamless transition between these roles makes him a threat to any defense.

Saint Louis University head men’s soccer coach Kevin Kalish speaks highly of Jackson Delkus. He mentions, “Jackson is a powerful attacker with incredible speed and a high work rate who can make plays in the attacking half of the field. I have watched him for most of his youth career, and he is an intense competitor who thrives under the spotlight.”

His well-rounded skill set complements Delkus’s offensive skills. Despite his natural inclination toward attacking play, he has developed strong defensive capabilities, often tracking back to support his team’s defense and disrupt opponents’ plays. This two-way play style has made him an asset to his team.

Breaking Records and Pushing Limits

As a soccer player who always strives to bring his A-game, Jackson Delkus is committed to self-improvement, as highlighted in his weekly one-on-one striker training and impressive physical achievements. He holds the freshman record for sprints at Chaminade College Preparatory School, showcasing his exceptional speed of 11.72 in 100 meters and 25.17 in 200 meters.

His December 2023 speed record of 23.4 miles per hour at Legion of Strength, a training facility frequented by professional and amateur athletes in the St. Louis area, further strengthens his speed record.

From speed, Jackson Delkus also shows his ability to score. During the fall 2021 season, Delkus’s speed and skill combination made him the top scorer for the St. Louis City SC Academy U16 team.

These feats of athleticism are not mere numbers; they translate directly to Delkus’ performance on the pitch. His pace allows him to beat defenders, create space for teammates, and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Aside from improving his speed and scoring, a big part of Delkus’ training is to develop his weaker foot, resulting in a playing style that keeps defenders guessing. “Although I’m naturally right-footed, I’ve put in countless hours to improve my left foot,” Jackson Delkus shares. “Now, most of my goals come from my left foot, which gives me a significant advantage on the field.”

The young forward has also unintentionally created his signature look on the field with his terrycloth headband, making him easily recognizable to fans and opponents alike. This trademark has only added to his growing reputation in the soccer community.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Jackson Delkus joins Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer program, expectations are high for his continued development. His combination of speed, skill, and versatility positions him as a potential game-changer at the collegiate level and beyond.

Despite his recognition and strong presence on the soccer field, Jackson Delkus remains grounded and focuses on his continued growth as a player. “Being named the top high school player by Prep Soccer is an incredible honor, but I know this is just the beginning,” he mentions. “I’m excited to join Saint Louis University and continue pushing myself to new heights.”

Delkus’ rising career as a soccer player, highlighted by his recognition as the nation’s top high school player, is a valuable addition to this portfolio and a crucial step toward his journey of playing professionally.

However, Jackson Delkus believes there’s still much to achieve. With his abilities and limitless potential, he looks forward to continuously impacting the sport today and in the future.